Transport company, Ferryman, has invested £1.5 million to acquire its existing premises and additional units at the Newbridge Road Industrial Estate supported by Barclays.

The investment will facilitate increased warehousing capability and the potential to create up to 80 office/retail units for the local business community on the 9.5 acre site.

Established in 1989, Ferryman has seen consistent, sustainable growth, based on a strategy of diversification and continued investment in the business.

The company now employs 53 staff and has a combined fleet of over 65 vehicles and trailers enabling it to offer complete transport solutions anywhere in the UK, delivering everything from single pallets to bulk distribution of dedicated loads.

Cathy Hamar-Davies managing director at Ferryman Ltd said: “I started the business in 1989 couriering parcels in my old Ford Escort. Soon after, I was then delivering medicine and human organs to hospitals across the UK before my husband David and I decided to get a van and deliver a wider range of goods. Twenty three years later we have a fleet of vehicles and deliver everything and anything. The timing of our investment could not have been better as we are receiving a £47,000 cash back payment from Barclays as our loan is eligible for the National Loan Guarantee Scheme, launched earlier this year. We are planning to use this cash back to upgrade the security at the site and contribute towards refurbishments of the units.”

Rebecca Davies, relationship director for Barclays said: “Cathy and David have worked tirelessly over the last 23 years growing Ferryman Ltd into the successful business it is today. By working closely and really understanding the business, Barclays has been able to support Ferryman Ltd financially and professionally throughout its latest expansion. SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy and we’re delighted to be part of the National Loan Guarantee scheme so we can pass on the benefits of the initiative to our customers. The NLGS funding is limited so we need to ensure as many Welsh businesses as possible are aware of and taking advantage of this scheme.”